Empanadas are an often overlooked perfect party food. Portable, flavorful, and you can make them ahead. What’s not to love? Recipes by Sandra Gutierrez

This Whole-Wheat Empanada Dough is light and flaky, yet perfect for baking instead of messy frying. Best part? Unbaked empanadas made with this dough can be frozen for up to 4 months, great for prepping ahead of a party. Freeze them in a single layer on a tray and then transfer to zip-top freezer bags. Just add 5 to 8 extra minutes on baking time, and they’re ready to eat!

Photograph: Jennifer Causey

The flank steak in our Ropa Vieja Empanadas is a go-to choice in Latin American cuisine. The great thing is that it’s also easy on the wallet while not comprising on the bold flavor.

Photograph: Jennifer Causey

Fresh vegetables and roasted poblanos chiles are such bold stars of these Zucchini Empanadas that you won’t even miss the meat.

Photograph: Jennifer Causey

Man cannot live by empanada alone, so be sure to serve sides to round out the meal. Learn a new technique (and use it to impress your party guests) by preparing this Sweet and Sour Vegetable Escabéche.

Photograph: Jennifer Causey

To get a little extra color on the table, toss your favorite greens in our simple yet flavorful Chipotle-Yogurt Dressing.

Photograph: Jennifer Causey

And don’t forget about the drinks! This outrageously easy Rum-Spiked Horchata puts a modern twist on the Latin American favorite by skipping the rice cooking and blending step, and instead using store-bought rice milk.